Aspire Scholarship - Maine Community Foundation

Aspire Scholarship Fund
It is our desire that each student who receives an Aspire Scholarship will know that they have the
potential for a bright future and that there are people who believe in them regardless of what their past
looks like. ~ Donors of the Aspire Scholarship Fund ~
Aspire supports students who have resided a substantial part of their formative years (K-12) in Presque
Isle or Washburn and adult learners who have built a life in either town and are returning to school.
Eligible applicants have successfully completed an alternative education program (for example, Presque
Isle Alternative High School or The Carleton Project) or are alternative learners who would have
benefited from such a program had one been available to them. Academic excellence is not a prerequisite,
but demonstrated personal growth, capacity and will to succeed, and pursuit of a post-secondary
education are. Please complete each section of this application completely and thoughtfully.
Name:
Address:
Street address or P.O. number:
All applications must be postmarked by: May 15
Town: State: Zip code:
Phone: Cell: E-mail:
Resident of this Town since:
Alternative School: Dates Attended:
Did you graduate from this school? Yes No
If you did not attend an alternative program, please explain your circumstances on a separate sheet of paper.
High school you graduated from: Date:
GED obtained:
FAFSA Filed on: Estimated Family Income:
If you are a full-time student, you must file a FAFSA to be considered for this award.
Post-secondary program/college for which aid is requested:
Street address or P.O. number:
City: State: Zip code:
Anticipated major: Degree program:
Enrolled: Part-time: ____ Full -time: Matriculating student: ____Yes ______ No
Do you work?
____ Yes (# of hours location ) No
Employment History:
Position held Period of Employment Hours per week
to
to
to

Personal statement: To help the committee better know who you are, please attach an additional sheet that answers
the following two questions.
1) Please tell us why you have decided to attend the program of your choice and what you hope to accomplish
while there.
2) Please share some of your past and current obstacle and discuss your ability to overcome them. How do
you view academic success and discuss how you will achieve it?
Recommendation Letter
Please submit a recommendation letter from a faculty member of your alternative school or high school specifically
addressing your eligibility for the Aspire Scholarship. The letter must be current (dated after January 1, 2013), on
official letterhead, contain your first and last name, and be signed by the writer, who must identify his/her
relationship to you (not a family member). Email letters are not acceptable.
Required Information: (do not staple, please)
Please submit the information requested below printed on one side only (not front and back).
This completed Application Form
A letter of recommendation as outlined above
Explanation of circumstances if you did not attend an alternative program, if applicable.
Your most recent official transcript (from high school or college)
Copy of your financial aid award letter from the college you will attend.
Your complete Federal Student Aid Report (SAR), which must include your expected family contribution
(EFC) and your family’s adjusted gross income (AG). Do not send the FAFSA.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all of the required items are submitted on or before the application
deadline. Incomplete applications or those postmarked after the deadline will not be processed. All information
received from applicants will be held in confidence.
I certify that all information on this form is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Signature of Applicant:
All applications and required information sent separately must be postmarked by May 15 and sent to:
Aspire Scholarship Fund
Maine Community Foundation
245 Main St.
Ellsworth, ME 04065-1613
877-700-6800 ~ info@mainecf.org

Family Information
Parents’ current marital status: single married separated divorced widowed
Who is responsible for your support? mother father both other
Who do you live with? mother father both other
Number in household, including parents: Ages of siblings:
Total number of family members attending college during the next academic year:
Name of parent(s) or guardian(s) who claimed you as a dependent on previous year’s federal income tax return:
Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from Federal Income Tax: _____________________
Name of parent(s) or guardian(s) who submitted the FAFSA on your behalf:
Date FAFSA filed: _______________________ EFC: _____________________
If you have not
received your
financial aid
award letter for
next year,
please enter the
amounts from
your current
year of study,
or amounts you
anticipate are
reasonably true
for next year
Funds available for your NEXT year of college
Family Contribution $
Personal Savings/Earnings $
Grants and Scholarships awarded by your college or the government $
Outside scholarships (from organizations, foundations, high school, etc.) $
WorkStudy $
Stafford and /or Perkins Loans $
Other loans for school $
TOTAL available funds for next year (add all) $
Outstanding loans for education to date: No. Total $__________
Cost of Attendance
Please complete the cost of attendance at your first choice college below. This information
is available on the college’s website and from the financial aid office. Please provide
current-year numbers.
Full Year Cost of Attendance for ____________________________ (first choice college)
Tuition and Fees $
Room and Board $
Books and Materials $
Transportation $
Personal and other Expenses $
TOTAL COST OF ATTENDANCE $
Unusual Expenses (i.e. childcare/medical) $
Please explain any special circumstances on a separate sheet.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELEASE FORM
* * PLEASE FILL OUT AND MAIL THIS FORM TO YOUR * *
COLLEGE OR PROGRAM FINANCIAL AID OFFICE,
NOT TO MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
ATTENTION: Financial Aid Officer
The student named below is applying to the Maine Community Foundation for a
scholarship and requires your assistance in providing need-based information. Please keep
this signed statement in the student’s file for reference if you receive an inquiry from our
Scholarship Coordinator regarding the student’s financial aid award.
TO THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANT:
I authorize release of financial aid award information to:
Maine Community Foundation
Scholarship Coordinator
245 Main Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605-1613
Tel: 207-667-9735 or toll free 877-700-6800
Fax: 207-667-0447
E-mail: info@mainecf.org Web: www.mainecf.org
College/University __________________________________________
Name of Student: __________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
__________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Student’s Signature: __________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________
REMINDER: DO NOT mail this form to Maine Community Foundation